What can you tell me about this Stingray?

[Slevage]

This Stingray is up for sale locally through a friend. Supposedly it's from somewhere around the 1970's. I haven't seen it in person yet, but I can check it out on Thursday.

What can the EBMM enthusiasts tell me about this bass, just from this photo? What are some things I should check out to learn more about it? I mainly play fiverbangers now, but if this has the right kind of vintage mojo, I might be interested,

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1970's ? I think the first year was 1976. I bought one new in 1977. I don't remember that finish from the factory in the early years.

 

[Martianbass64]

A rosewood fretboard is kinda rare on a pre- Ernie...It looks legit, there being no 21st fret inlay...I'd want to see body and neck dates...could be a neck replacement from way back. Also make sure it's not a converted fretless by checking the location of the side dots. I've always wanted a pre-Ernie with a rosewood board great score if you can get it...

 

[mikeswals]

You can see the B00 serial number on the neckplate, so its before late 78. Probably late 77 or 78 as rumor was fretted rosewood boards weren't used at first.

As mentioned, the pickguard and string tree aren't original.

 

[Taustin Powers]

So I would need to remove the neck to find the production dates of the body and neck, correct?

Would today's aftermarket pickguards fit on this model, or have the screw positions changed over time?

 

[Martianbass64]

Yep, just unscrew the neckplate and carefully pull the neck out. Should be manufacture dates on both neck and body. You'll need an old style Ray pickguard without the cutout notch for the truss rod. Pickguard Planet online might be a place to start.

 

[Taustin Powers]

Serial # is B007298.

 

[Martianbass64]

Ernie Ball serial # records online database doesn't include the pre-Ernie Ball basses. Musicmanbass.global doesn't list your exact serial, but a comparison of your serial with others listed indicates a 1977-8, bass as Mike said earlier...

 

[Taustin Powers]

My friend got curious and took it apart. The body was made in March 1978, the neck in August 1981.

 

[Taustin Powers]

AI says this could be factory assembled in 1981 using a leftover body, or changed later by owner.

 

[Taustin Powers]

 

[Taustin Powers]

Original pg seems to be included.

 

[Martianbass64]

Ah good pics! 78 body, 81 neck. Hard to tell exactly what the scenario was to have such different dates on body and neck. Doesn't ruin the value imo...a pre-Ernie body with a pre- Ernie rosewood neck is a rare thing. Love the patina your bass...others with more knowledge will chip in shortly...

 

[WG Plum]

If the price isn't stupid I'd jump all over that.

 

[mikeswals]

Serial # is B007298.

So that's a 78. I also have a B0072xx and mine is from Feb.

I highly doubt the bass left the factory that way. Natural and black were the two most common colors, they didnt to need to wait to sell those.
Most likely a replacement neck.

 

[leonard]

All the pre-eb ones I've had and seen were really heavy. If they weren't I might still have them.

 

[Taustin Powers]

I will get to play it tonight!

 

[Taustin Powers]

Played it at rehearsal tonight. It is indeed very heavy and needs some work. E string was sitting really high, and the saddle screws are apparently stripped. Needs some neck angle adjustment.

I was surprised though by how good it sounds! A really punchy and warm Stingray tone!

I'm not buying it, with some work and a good setup, this will be an awesome vintage bass.

 

[mikeswals]

Played it at rehearsal tonight. It is indeed very heavy and needs some work. E string was sitting really high, and the saddle screws are apparently stripped. Needs some neck angle adjustment.

That's what that circular disc with the set screw is for the the neck pocket.
With the bass assembled, slack the strings, and with neck screws slightly loosened, there's a hole in the neck plate for an allen key, you set the neck angle that way.

 

[Martianbass64]

Hey Austinator , you probably saw this,but in your photo, the E string is sitting left of the saddle groove. Once you move it back in the saddle groove you can push down on it a couple times and get a better witness point. It might improve t action on the E a little....

 

[Taustin Powers]

Hey Austinator , you probably saw this,but in your photo, the E string is sitting left of the saddle groove. Once you move it back in the saddle groove you can push down on it a couple times and get a better witness point. It might improve t action on the E a little....

Oh man, can't believe I missed that! That could certainly help with the string height!

And yeah, setting the neck angle with the tilt screw works, but it's a little stubborn, and also a PITA to always loosen the strings, adjust the screw, tighten the strings, reevaluate, rinse and repeat...